Symposium on Faith-Inspired Organizations and Global Development Policy: US and International Perspectives

This discussion centered around the themes of public support mobilization, collaboration with national governments and international institutions, and policy implementation on the ground. The symposium placed a strong emphasis on US-based NGOs that interact with national governments and international organizations across a range of issue areas, including education, health care, gender, humanitarian relief, microfinance, and the environment. Panelists first highlighted how FBOs are involved in development work and then explored the specific tensions that exist around ethical and practical considerations that must be taken by faith-based NGOs. The symposium's participants were in agreement that these types of organizations must consider how to maintain a proper relationship with public authorities and must be sensitive to the nature of the connection they draw between faith, poverty, and social justice.

The consultation was the first in a series of geographically-focused explorations undertaken by the Berkley Center, with support from the Henry R. Luce Foundation, whose objective is both to increase knowledge about institutions and their work and to identify and explore emerging policy issues.